Institute Graduation Fireside

Last Saturday was the scheduled CES Institute and Seminary Certificate night. Sirisha came over and cut mangos and potatoes and helped me cook so we could invite who ever wanted to come after the fireside.

Here are the Institute graduates that came over after the fireside. From left to right: Standing: Nikhil, Shaker Boddu, and Kisure.

Sitting: Left to right....Padmaja, Vani, Sirisha and Fatima (Mary).

Joined by others who attended our little get together. This is a great group and they bless our lives.

You think Boddu sitting in the middle of the room on the chair is smiling because he got his certificate but that is not why he is smiling. He is smiling because he recently found out that he is going to be a daddy.
We're so happy for him and Vani!!

Dance Time

We seem to be doing a lot of dancing these days. We meet for 1 1/2 hour every Monday before Family Home Evening and teach dancing. We're also dancing at Youth Conference. This picture is the "Limbo" at youth conference. We also taught them to swing and to country line dance.

This was the Hokey Pokey and the Congo at youth conference.

This group of Young single adults learned the dances and then came to Youth conference to help teach. They had so much fun. And all the girls wanted to dance with them. I can't blame the girls...they are cute guys. Elder K and I really enjoy this group.

We're "Slappin' Leather" here!!

Country Line Dance. We add moves and name them after these young men. That's part of the entertainment. There are about 12 in our group and it continues to grow. We've learned 3 country line dances, the cha cha, Hava Nagela, and the Jitterbug. The Jitterbug was a Youth Conference favorite.

Getting ready to perform at a Talent Show at Youth Conference!!

Coconut Water

This is a green Coconut. If you try to eat these coconuts it's mushy. Way to soft. But the liquid is so good. We've been told ever since we got here to drink lots of coconut water. It's good for your health. I got sick last weekend and have been drinking coconut water ever since. It tastes different from the brown coconut milk. I like it so much better. I'm hooked and will probably drink it every day from now on!!

1st Branch Elders called yesterday and wanted to come over and watch "The Work and The Glory" Part 1. We enjoyed having them. They're great elders! Left to right is: Elder Buehner (pronounced Beener) Elder Reiley, Elder Morrison (district leader) and Elder Jenks.

BEST MOTHERS EVER

Tribute to Some Really Great Mothers.

This is Hannah mother of Nick, Ellerey, Sarah, Brian, Stuart, & Seth.

Teresa mother of Jack, Michael, John, Tia, Jessica, James, Vickie and Rachel.

Chelsea Mother of Keelee Jade & Tiana

Tia mother of Porter & Selah
Kristina mother of Alex & Kayla

Rebecca mother of Keayen, Nataylia, Monika, & Boston

And last, but not least, my mom. My mom was the best....I used to compare her to other moms and I never felt that I had anything but the best. She disciplined me, but I never felt anything but love. Even when she was not happy with what I had done I knew she still loved me.
When things were good or bad she was the person I wanted to tell. As she got older and I knew she didn't need to deal with all the bad stuff I quit telling her. But I knew she still cared.

She loved all her children.

She loved all her grandchildren.
And she loved her Great Grandchildren.

She wasn't well in this picture but she still came to play practice. She loved being part of putting a play together and she never missed rehearsal. I believe it's part of who she was and kept her alive and young in her heart.

She loved her family. This is mom with Uncle Leslie going for a walk in the wooded field where they grew up. Their home as kids sat on this property. She loved reminiscing.

When family came by it always brightened her day and lightened her load. This is mom with Uncle Irvin. I also remember how happy she was when he & Aunt Joy went through the temple.

Mom was 17 here. Everyone tells us how talented she was as a young girl. She tried out for a play her first year in high school and got the lead roll. There were those in the community that thought she should not have the part because she was too young and a country girl. Mom did a smashing job of playing "Sunbonnet Sue."

Mom never held still. She was always on the go. Dad would try to go visit relatives and mom had a hard time sitting very long. She'd say, "Silvon, let's go." This picture truly shows who she was.

Mom always considered herself a "Jack of all Trades." She could meet the challenge of whatever the task was. She just always assumed she could do whatever needed done. At Pierre's Playhouse Tom Egbert was the builder, Peg was the piano player, Tonna Bean did Hair, Dad ran the lights, Bob directed, and mom said "I'm the Jack of All Trades." I do whatever needs to be done. One time one of the actors didn't show up so she dressed in a suit and became his character that night. She did what had to be done.

This is a familiar scene. Mom playing the piano with the grandkids. When I was growing up I would see her with her dad and brothers and sisters around the piano. Then it was me and my siblings and cousins around the piano. It's a scene that never ended. Now I see me and my daughters and sons creating this same scene.

Directing another play. (earlier in life.)

No one loved Christmas more than my mom. She made Christmas magical and exciting. I think it is a favorite of most of our family because of moms love for it. Not just the tinsel and gifts and santa claus....but because she loved the Savior.

Mom was always singing or directing a play. This was a family reunion program at the park in Victor.

Christmas always came with a picture like this.

I actually have 2 moms. My mom was lucky enough to have 2 sisters. Aunt Etta died years ago. Aunt Bonnie was always like a second mom to me. She councils and cares about me. She delights in sharing her testimony and something she has learned about the gospel. I'm fortunate to still have her in my life.

This final picture shows the love mom had for each family member. If she could sit you down and talk to you she would tell you to live the gospel and follow Christ's plan so that we can be together again...forever. That's who my mom is. She isn't sitting calmly on the otherside. I can promise you she is cheering you on, hoping we can all be together someday. Now it's up to us.

Happy Mother's Day to all you beautiful mother's out there. Even if you're picture isn't on my blog I want you to know I love you and wish you the happiest of days. Think about your mother's and try to live better for them. Especially your eternal Mother in Heaven!!

Our first Up Close Hindu Wedding

Madhu's cousin sister got married and we were invited to attend the wedding. We've seen other Hindu weddings on the street but this was a front row, up close occasion for us.
The wedding was held at a place called Millennial Gardens which is 5 minutes from where we live. It was inside a huge white tent and decorated very nice.

After the bride came in (to a marching band of trumpets, claranet, keyboard and drums) she was placed behind the groom who was sitting in this chair. She's sitting on the floor behind him. He wasn't allowed to see her until later in the ceremony. This picture is of her parents washing his feet. What can I say!!! And no Kelly, don't even go there because it will never happen!!

This was when he went back and sat on the floor in preperation to see his new bride. The curtain was held until the moment they were to see each other. They actually did meet 2 weeks ago and spent some brief time together. Madhu said they will probably date and get to know each other now they are married.

It's a little different than we do things, but again.....what can I say!!!

This is where he places the silver toe rings on her toes that signify she is a married woman.

All of the women wore the same bangles at this wedding. The aunts, sisters, mother, bride, cousin sisters and any woman who was famly. They were green and silver with a touch of pink.

Here they have a big bowl of rice between them and they take handfuls and pour on each others head. This is done after they he ties the knot. There is a string bracelet on her right arm that he ties with a knot indication of accepting the marriage. The guy with the white towel is the Hindu Priest.

I love all the hand strung flowers that are in her hair and drapped around their clothing. Such a beautiful touch.

I don't know what these little colored things were but they were round and colorful and were thrown after the rice. Their photographer took some of these pictures for Madhu. (Madhu had my camera)

We had a front row seat. We were the only white people there and from what Madhu tells us that was a big deal. This is Madhu, tinku and Chero's mother. She is a very good person and has raised 3 great boys!

You'll notice we don't have tags on. That's because of the missionary restrictions that are still hanging over Hyderabad. We hope thats all lifted by June 1st and we can wear our badges again. We miss wearing them.

Painted faces, bindi, flowers, & Forehead adornments.

Vani & Shaker Bodhu also came to the wedding. They're a cute little couple!!

The dowry.....The parents had to give him all of these things plus money and gold....
I should mention this marriage was arranged by a matchmaker.

The brothers 3.....

Tinku, Madhu and Chero...

(I've probably made some mistakes in the spelling so correct me Madhu and I'll change it.)

After they served everyone a nice lunch there was dancing. This I think is the father of the bride and he got things started.

We were watching....Then they announced that we were honored guests and they would like us to join the dance. Shaker said we must go. When Elder K started dancing one man stuffed 100 rupees in his mouth. He pulled it out and said "I didn't know I was getting paid to do this!" For those of you who know us well you know we love to dance....The beat of Indian Music is just a little different than ours and it was hard to understand. I suppose we need to practice understanding the beat.
This is a mission of many surprises.
For more pictures and info I will be putting all the pictures on facebook. This is just a highlight.

May Birthday's already!!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Kelly. Sitting at the table waiting for a game......He's always up for a game!!

Lindsay and Allen with their baby girl just before we left.

Monika and Tiana....So Cute

Tiana And Alex

Porter Jay....What are you doing?! Is that the grandpa Kasper famous lip move???

The Family......

It's the beginning of a new month. I have a hard time believing we can be to May already. 4 months gone in this year already and now we're going to chop away at May. I always loved the Month of May. The 1st makes me think of May Day and flowers. I always start looking for the little yellow Johnney Jump Ups to pop their little heads out of the ground. Then I know not far behind will be Buttercups and Rooster Tails. It's a time of year for renewal and gives me new hope!

For many of you it's birthday time again. This is the 2nd birthday you have celebrated since we've been in India.

Uncle Kent 1st May who doesn't get older.....just better. We miss you and hope you are feeling younger than ever. Thanks for everything you and your sweet wife do to pick up pieces in the family. You are a wonderful Aunt and Uncle and we're glad you are in our family. Keep writing in your journal. I think about you often as I've learned to write regularly in my journal on this mission! You are a solid piece of work in this family.

Tiana 1st May.....My sweet little princess who is growing up with out me right now!!! You'll be a little lady when I get home instead of one of the babies! I remember going to the raspberry patch with you and how you loved to pick anything that looked like a berry...Even the green ones. Save some of the red ones for me to eat when I get home. You can put them in the freezer or something and we'll make a belated raspberry milkshake together. Love you little princess and Happy Birthday.

2nd of May, Kelly.....You big lug!!! Happy Birthday. We're glad you are part of our family and we love you. Don't get to content and settled....we'll be home soon and whip you in a game of "Pirates!!" I hope you are getting our room ready! We want to be pampered now that you are older!! Keep the dice warm for Farkle and practice hard or you won't stand a chance....Even at 2 in the morning!!! (and no cheating!!)

p.s. Thanks for taking such good care of our daughter....and my GRANDCHILDREN....Don't let them forget me (this is your mother inlaw speaking in case you have a short memory....It's your job until we get home and come around so much that you get sick of us!

Alex May 5th.....You were a baby when we left too! And now you are a big brother with a baby sister to look after. We can't wait to come home and tickle you and chase you around the house. Maybe your mommy and daddy will bring you to our house and we can go fishing in the boat and we can watch you catch your first fish!! Happy Birthday little Cinco De Mayo boy!!

Lindsay, 8 May Happy Birthday Lindsay. We love you and are glad you are part of our family. Hope that baby girl of yours is doing great! It's fun to think of you as a mommy now!

Porter Jay, May 30th Porter Jay do you still like Orange? Happy Birthday my little friend. I miss you and wrestling, and playing the piano and going for bike rides and telling stories! Be good to your family and save some money so that you can go on a mission some day. It's the best time of my life and someday I will write you letters while you serve a mission. Learn all you can about the gospel and be obedient to your parents. This is a special birthday for you! We send love and greetings to you.